Class Notes

Class Notes for 1988

Many things have changed in 25 years, but even more remain the same. Tuition is up from $13,300 to north of $53,300. The “Commons System,” which freshman year replaced the just extinguished fraternity/sorority structure, is now extinct. Colby now works on a more nuanced “Colby 360” social agenda seeking to support the growth of the whole individual. The Colby Museum of Art, which celebrated its 25th anniversary during our tenure, has grown deliberately and steadily into a world-class institution—even more dramatically since the addition of the Lunder Collection (a must-see). What hasn’t changed is the way the campus has the ability to wrap around you and feel like home. Familiar was the friendly, upbeat vibe and our own class spirit of well-wishing interest in each other’s lives. Reunion was a blast. Transported back to the time before birthing babies, college tours, and aging parents, we had a great time reconnecting. Many thanks to Carol Anne Beach, who so ably steered the ship the entire weekend. Highlights included the muddy 5K run, our record-breaking class gift presentation (thank you Tom Jester, Rick Angeli, et al), witnessing the enthusiasm of the Class of ’63 and hoping we’ll have that same sense of fun and commitment at our 50th, belly laughs at the lobster bake, Suzie Welch Carpenter’s cooking class, Lorin Haughs Pratley’s performance in the golf tourney, Dave Scannell’s heartfelt speech, and Jocelyn Wooten Giangrande’s approachable wealth of wisdom, as well as all other classmates who participated in the well-attended panels/presentations Saturday afternoon. Just off the top of my head, I know people traveled from Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Washington, and the always well-represented New England. *Rob Koff, Scott Bunker, and Tim Wissemann attacked their quest to most authentically recapture their Colby experience. Not letting sleep or sobriety get in their way, they were a force around campus; from beer die to crashing younger classes’ assemblies, they accomplished their mission. The fact that I was so often in their orbit was, I protest, merely for reporting purposes. * My hilarious cousin Karen Reilly Quirk takes reunion honors for mounting the Trojan-like Colby mule while her merry mates Mel Brown Bride and Kerri Murphy Tellier cheered her on. Pictures exist and will be on the 30th reunion posters. Karen also hopes to lead a reunion panel on “Colby, Me, and Lacrosse: Why the ’80s Were So Great.” *Chris Hurley was one of the most buzzed-about alums; such lines as “He’s aged like a fine wine,” “He’s a silver fox,” and “He could be a model” were heard as he passed. Always humble, Chris was the same guy as ever. Chris says he deals with midlife crises through exercise and the great outdoors. He’s run two half marathons, two Tough Mudder obstacle races, and the Mt. Washington Road Race. He’s hiked the Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier and competed in his first tae kwon do tournament. This summer he’ll hike the High Sierras (just remembered hearing “Superman” as he passed at the lobster bake). Chris proudly and strongly pronounces his wife is “incredible.” In addition, he has two amazing teenage daughters who teach him more than he could have imagined. Chris is tight with Chuck Burke ’89, Kevin Molloy, Greg Cunningham, Matt Stetson, Todd Nicholson, and Rick Angeli. Chris also visited Josh and Stacey Mendelsohn Marx on his way to hike Mt. Rainier. *Pat and Patty Haffey Clendenen celebrate their 25th anniversary this summer. Their kids—Paul, Drew, and Claire—are all in college, at Clemson, Miami U, and Providence respectively. All but the last family dog (Riley, a black Lab) have passed. Pat has finished his youth sports coaching and practices law in Boston. Patty finished her homemaking and now works in the insurance industry. Knowing them as my freshman roommate and her quickly found soulmate, I’m sure there’s lots of great stuff ahead for them. *Scott Parks wrote from the Phoenix area. Scott lives with his wife, Susan, and sons Nick, 10, and Ben, 8. Scott works for Tyler Technologies as the regional implementation manager, overseeing all software implementations out West. Scott is in touch with Dave Caspar and Jeff Cohen through fantasy leagues, etc. He’s also in touch with Eric Zieff, Gary Donaldson, Harold Rider, and Jeff Bruce. * Keep writing.